Vesak Day: Everything You Need to Know about the Sacred Day to Buddhist
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Jakarta – Every year, Buddhist around the world celebrate a very important festival in their religion, known as Vesak Day. In Indonesia, this day fell on Thursday (May 23).
This celebration is not only a religious moment, but also a cultural event that celebrates the life, teachings and legacy of Gautama Buddha.
Vesak Day is celebrated to commemorate three important events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha.
First, his birth in Lumbini (now part of Nepal) on the 6th full moon, which is believed to fall in April or May in the Gregorian calendar. Second, Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment when he sat under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. And third, the death of the Buddha at the age of 80 years.
Vesak Day celebrations are also known as Vesak, Visakha Puja, or Buddha Purnima, depending on the region and cultural traditions where it is celebrated.
Potret Hari Raya Waisak tahun 2022 di Candi Borobudur
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For Buddhists, Vesak Day has a deep and broad meaning. It is a time of reflection, meditation, and reverence for the teachings of the Buddha.
One important aspect of this celebration is the practice of benevolence, such as giving food to the needy, doing charity work, and donating food to monasteries or charitable organizations.
Vesak Day is also an opportunity for Buddhists to deepen their understanding of the Dharma, or the Buddha's teachings.
Through lectures, meditation, and scripture reading, Buddhists strengthen their commitment to living meaningful and loving lives.
Apart from that, Vesak Day also teaches universal values such as peace, tolerance and respect for diversity. This is a moment where Buddhists can reflect on how they can contribute to creating a better, more peaceful and more harmonious world.
Vesak Day is celebrated in various ways around the world, depending on local culture and traditions.
In some places, Buddhists gather in monasteries to perform religious rituals, such as candlelight ceremonies, scripture readings, and group meditation.
Elsewhere, there are processions through the streets filled with color and joy, accompanied by dancing, music and offerings of food.
However, it is not only Buddhists who celebrate Vesak Day. Many non-Buddhists also take part in these celebrations, as a form of respect for the rich religious and cultural heritage.
This is an example of how Vesak Day not only celebrates religious diversity, but also brings together people from various backgrounds to celebrate the universal values of love, peace and understanding.
Vesak Day is a precious moment for Buddhists all over the world. It is a time to celebrate the life, teachings and legacy of Gautama Buddha, and to reflect on the meaning of the Dharma in everyday life
More than just a religious celebration, Vesak Day teaches universal values of love, peace and understanding, which are relevant to everyone, regardless of religion or belief.
By remembering Vesak Day, we honor our rich cultural heritage and unite people from diverse backgrounds to create a better world.
